Counterbalance Forklift Training
Based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, anyone who uses a counterbalanced lift truck must have training. Training for these kinds of industrial equipment consists of both hands-on driver training and classroom training. Refresher training is necessary periodically so as to keep driver skills up to date. OSHA does not indicate a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck is able to balance its cargo due to a counterbalance built into the truck. Blades can move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The tines do not rotate. Drivers who use counterbalanced forklifts should receive training about the specific trucks they will be driving and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training Programs
The lift truck driver would be taught the basics of the model of lift truck they will be utilizing in classroom training. They will learn info regarding the forklifts particular things such as load, height and weight capacity. The operator would be taught the basics of charging or fueling the lift truck, which depends on whether it is a battery-powered or gas-powered engine. Safety procedures pertaining to the specific truck, like how to safely walk around the forklift, will be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training will ensure the forklift driver knows how to operate the counterbalanced lift truck. This practical training course will occur in the same type of setting wherein the driver would be working. The operator will train with the same sorts of nearby buildings and other structures on the same kind of terrain, as well as similar pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Refresher Training
Though OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck operators, there are no specifications which determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training courses must include classroom-style training.